Ultrasound fusion imaging system in neurology practice.

The ultrasound fusion imaging (UFI) system is a new promising imaging modality that combines live ultrasound investigations with preregistered CT, MRI, or PET images. In this study, we want to present our initial experience with the new method that combines the transcranial color-coded sonography (TCCS) in different insonation planes and the 3T-weighted MRI cerebral images. The study validates the diagnostic capabilities of the system to detect different normal cerebral structures in healthy volunteers. In the present paper, we also discuss the advantages of US fusion imaging technology and its clinical applications in Neurology.

Central retinal artery occlusion in a patient with sickle cell disease treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator.

Central retinal artery occlusion is a rare ophthalmological complication of sickle cell disease, usually provoked by additional contributing risk factors and its treatment remains controversial. We describe a patient with sickle cell disease and a spontaneous central retinal artery occlusion of his left eye that probably has good result from intravenous thrombolysis. We want to add sickle cell disease as rare etiological cause of central retinal artery occlusion and perpetuate evidence of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator administration in this condition.

Characteristics of Unstable Carotid Plaques - New Image Modalities.

Ischemic stroke is a socially significant health problem due to high mortality and disability. One of the leading causes for cerebrovascular accidents is the carotid atherosclerosis. The mechanism of its formation presents not only lipid accumulation in the arterial wall but a complex inflammatory disease. The aims of this review are to point the new methods and approaches for diagnostic of the unstable and high-risk carotid plaques. The old plaque imaging modalities emphasized mainly to the degrees of luminal stenosis. The new possibilities reveal plaque morphology so detailed even compared to histological verification. Recent techniques as Shear wave elastography, optical coherence tomography, Superb microvascular imaging, USPIO MRI give information about the pathological mechanisms of carotid atherosclerosis. The efforts are directed to predict the atherosclerotic burden, plaque instability and the occurrence of cerebrovascular events for each patient and to optimize personal management.

A case of encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis syndrome with epilepsy (Haberland syndrome).

Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis is a rare congenital neurocutaneous syndrome characterized by scalp, facial, and ocular lesions and multiple intracranial malformations. Approximately 50 cases have been described in the literature. We report a 34-year-old woman with a 6-year history of epilepsy, without mental retardation, with predominantly ipsilateral skin lesions evident at birth, with limbal lipodermoid of the left eye and multiple non-progressive, ipsilateral intracranial structures of soft, cystic components. The described malformations are congenital, mostly unilaterally located and with similar lipomatous structure.